Mary Francis Machen, 76, of Amboy, Illinois passed away at Katherine Shaw Bethea Hospital (KSB) in Dixon, Illinois on Tuesday, December 22, 2015. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, December 28, at the Church of the Open Door in Clinton, Iowa with Pastor James Machen Sr. presiding over the funeral service. A visitation will occur two hours prior to the funeral service from 9:00 a.m. until time of service at the Church. Burial will take place at the Amboy Prairie Repose Cemetery.
Mary was born July 20, 1939 in Amboy, Illinois, the daughter of Clarence and Bernice (Ollmann) Hillison. She was a graduate of Franklin Grove High School. Mary was united in marriage to William M. Machen on June 28, 1958 in Amboy, Illinois.
Mary was a long time member of the Church of the Open Door in Clinton, Iowa. She was very involved in the Church, especially with Bible study and following a faithful ministry of encouragement - sending personalized cards to anyone in need.
Mary started her career out working at Midwest Rug Mill in Amboy, however she changed her career to her main passion which was cooking, she was a cook at Zimmer's Cafe' in Amboy and then for Golden Meals for many years where she received the honor of Amboy Citizen of the Year for her work and cooking for the elderly. Eventually, Mary would retire from Sauk Valley Community College.
Her work as a cook only strengthened her overall passion for cooking for her family and friends, you would never go home hungry. Mary also loved gardening, spending countless hours tending to her gardens. She had a real talent for turning nothing into something.
Mary is survived by her husband William M. Machen of Amboy, IL; one daughter - Deb (Art) Albee of Amboy, IL; one son - William T. (Rosie Wessels) Machen of Amboy, IL; three grandchildren - Jennifer (Eric), Amanda (Nate) and Matt; four great grand children; one sister - Sylvia Bartlett of Franklin Grove, IL; one brother - Ronald Hillison, with many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends
She was preceded in death by her parents and one infant sister.
Memorials made can be directed to the Church of the Open Door.

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